Early into SPELLS’ 7-inch release show at the Hi-Dive on Dec. 21, the moment comes for the big balloon drop. Singer Ben Roy spent the afternoon rigging a net of balloons suspended above the audience to release when he pulls a string.

The first batch of official South by Southwest 2015 artists have been announced, and Colorado's Publicist UK is among the names. Last year, eight Colorado bands headed to Austin as part of the music showcase's official lineup: Inner Oceans, You Me & Apollo, Wheelchair Sports Camp, Natalie Walker, Gungor, Little Fyodor, Primitive Man and Roo & the Howl.

The 14th annual Underground Music Showcase opened with a score to settle on Thursday. Well, one venue did at least. “Show Austin TX what is up UMS starts Thurs,” reads the sign outside of The Hornet on South Broadway.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z20WGE4-WaY Complete with Kid Karate playing from on top of the bar, Kishi Bashi crowd surfing and a packed house at the Dirty Dog, Reverb returned to SXSW for its fourth day party in Austin earlier this year.